How to Deal with a Hyperactive Child

While beholding a child brimming with energy might be a fascinating sight, parenting one can be exhausting.

As a responsible parent, one should follow these steps to deal with them.

1. Set Clear Rules

When dealing with hyperactive children, the parent should set fixed ground rules for conduct, ensuring that the child adheres to them. Hyperactive children tend to be oblivious to the consequences of their actions. As a responsible parent, you should communicate the consequences of their cavalier actions. Children learn by imitating people around them so make sure that everyone in the family follows these rules to set a good example.

2. Create Routine

A structured routine allows the correct facilitation of hyperactive energies. Set clear timings for the child to eat, study and sleep. With practice, the child will learn to adhere to these rules. If initiated properly, children tend to stick to rules rather well. Having unclear schedules only creates confusion, giving them the liberty to act on their hyperactive urges.

3. Divert Their Energies

When one is brimming with hyperactive energies, it is most potent to help them channel these emotions in a healthy direction. If your hyperactive son enjoys sports, make him take football or hockey lessons. These sports are enriching and exhausting and, at the same time, are the perfect outlet for pent-up emotions. Inculcate constructive habits in your children like reading, pottery or gardening to help direct their energies in a fruitful direction.

4. Healthy Punishments

Dealing with a hyperactive child means that any form of strict corporal punishment will only inspire further aggression and juvenile behaviour. A child, no matter how active, is extremely impressionable. Thus, using forceful behaviour to deal with them will only inspire spurts of negative behaviour. Instead, reward the child when he does well and teach him to reflect upon the consequences of his wrongdoings.

5. Moderate Stimulus

Hyperactive children are extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Loud sounds, bright flashes and extensive television watching can heighten their excitement. The key is to maintain an environment of moderate influences. Soft music, pleasing visuals and hands-on activities are great ways to keep a lid on hyperactive behaviour.

6. Household Chores

Letting your child run amok and unsupervised is a sure-fire way to foster unruly behavioural patterns in the future. Instead, introduce your child to household chores to make him take on responsibilities. The chores can be as simple as taking the trash out or walking the dog. Children, no matter how active, are obedient in the face of consequential rewards. When offered suitable incentives or verbal appreciation, even the most unruly of children tend to do their work with care. Using such caring methods will help cope with the spurts of energy.

By following the steps suggested above, you will be able to teach your child the value of temperance and moderation.